I did it!I have successfully climbed Kili. See photo for proof. It has been an amazing week. With Kristina - a 38 year old Swedish woman and Meaghan - a 24 year old Australian. We also had a guide, an assistant guide (compulsory when hiking in the national park), a cook and 8 other porters, to carry all the food, tent, equipment, bulky luggage etc. We carried our own day packs. Before you say 'too easy' - let me tell you these people are professional clim...

So this is the last blog until (hopefully) Sunday. My Kili climb starts now! Jen, this one is for you! Wish You Were Here! After a few days of gorgeous views, it's been consistently cloudy over the mountain lately. So, I hope that clears. I set off from the hotel around 8am Tues and should be climbing by about 11am. First day goes from 1800m to 3100m, mostly through rainforest. Then it's up to Shira Camp (3800m), before going up to Lava Tower (4600m) an...

I am now staying at the New Kindoroko Hotel in the centre of Moshi (which means 'smoke' in Swahili). The view from the 4th floor summit bar and from my hotel room could not be any better. You do have to check it out in the mornings, however, as by midday clouds form and hang there for the rest of the day until nightfall. Just after sunrise, around breakfast time is perfect. My breath was taken away when I finally saw the mountain in all its glory, althoug...

UPDATED BLOG (Written Tue 9 Jan, updated Wed 10 Jan)It's three days since I left Mwanza, Buswelu and the Orphanage. I flew to Arusha on Saturday, having said all my goodbyes. If truth be told, I wasn't that emotional about saying goodbye to Tom, because I will see him again, or the kids, who i probably won't. The leaving party was a bit strange, but then that is because of the regimented way the kids have to watch the news first and get to dance in an...

It is my last full day in Mwanza and at Hisani. Had my final proper lesson - on adjectives - with standard 3 yesterday and a run through of the alphabet with standard zero this morning. That's it, no more classes. In town this afternoon getting ready for my leaving party, with pizza, cake, soda, Tanzania music, some Christmas balloons, and no doubt a tear in my eye. Last night i enjoyed a final meal out with some of the other vols. Now it has finally come, I ...